Installing “Burn, Baby, Burn”

Following two previous posts in relation to this LARGE Matta painting, I wanted to share some images I took during the stretching and hanging of this monumental piece.

Under the supervision and direction of the Painting Conservation Department, conservators and art handlers unrolled and placed the painting on a custom-made stretcher covered with a loose lining (canvas support).

Once the painted canvas was correctly positioned on the stretcher, conservators then proceeded to attach it by stapling on the back side of the stretcher. This process requires a lot of pulling and tugging to make sure the painting is completely flat and wrinkle free.

After the attaching is done, the painting is lifted and hung on the wall by as many as ten people. All told, this feat was accomplished in about four hours.